Free printables and worksheets can help the preschool-aged child to learn about specific themes such as animals or oceans, general concepts such as numbers or letters and educational content areas such as science or social studies. Many different websites offer these types of worksheets that parents and educators can download and print, such as First School, Crayola or Free Printables.
Free interactive games for preschoolers are educational and entertaining tools for learning and development. Whether your young learner is matching numbers, playing online memory games, creating a digital art masterpiece or reviewing the alphabet, online activities can help build skills that will be essential for the school years in subjects such as mathematics and language arts. Look for sites from well-known or established organizations such as PBS Kids or Discovery Kids.
Virtual manipulatives provide an interactive, almost hands-on experience, at no cost. These math-oriented learning tools take typical classroom number/operation, geometry and measurement projects to a new level through the use of online versions of preschool favorites such as base blocks, an abacus or geoboards.Visit the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives from Utah State University for an array of free math learning tools that preschoolers will enjoy.
Free learning tools and resources to develop the preschooler's literacy skills are a simple way to prepare the young student for later school success. Additionally, free pre- or early literacy tools for teachers can help the early childhood educator or home schooling parent to plan and assess reading and language arts practices. For example, the Center for Early Literacy Learning (CELL) provides educators with a web page packed with tools. The CELL Tools page for practitioners includes a free, downloadable interest-based everyday literacy checklist, a classroom interest tool, a daily schedule, posters, teacher tip sheet and examples of materials for literacy lessons.